Most offenders in correctional facilities do not meet the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) criteria of severely antisocial or psychopathic. However, as documented throughout the textbook, funding shortages and lack of mental health treatment for incarcerated criminals is woefully inadequate. This makes you more likely to encounter offenders who are diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and prone to violent behavior.
As a corrections counselor, you must recognize the complexity of treating of offenders with antisocial and APD diagnoses. Working with this unique population requires advanced clinical training, strong supervision, and staff support. Effective interventions for severely antisocial and psychopathic offenders remain elusive. This does not mean, however, that they are unworthy of help and support in the correctional environment.
For this discussion: